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Blue Mountains highlights

TOP THINGS TO DO IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

Go touringSoak up the streams, waterfalls, forested valleys and cliffs of the Blue Mountains along the many well-marked walking trails. Follow the original 1884 horse track from Katoomba to Jenolan Caves on the three day Six Foot Track, or take the easy 1.8 kilometre (1.1 mile) Princes Rock Walk to a lookout over Wentworth Falls, Kings Tableland and Mount Solitary. You can also wade and boulder-hop your way down Glenbrook Gorge, on the three kilometre (1.9 mile) Glenbrook Gorge Track, or creep up the sheer cliffs around Wentworth Falls on the challenging National Pass. Many of the walks can be done independently, however if you're unfamiliar with the region and weather conditions, it's best to join a guided tour. Life's an Adventure offers a great Six Foot Track tour, as well as a two day Wolgan Valley and Glow Worm Cave Walk. You can also discover the Blue Mountains' rich Aboriginal heritage on a walking tour with a local Darug guide from Blue Mountains Walkabout. If your feet need a rest, spend a day on the hop-on hop-off Blue Mountains Explorer Bus or with Blue Mountains Trolley Tours. Both companies visit 29 stops, including the major attractions, around Leura and Katoomba.

Stay in a luxury hotelNestled among the stunning scenery of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, One&Only Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa is Australia’s first luxury wildlife and conservation-based resort. Built around a restored 1832 homestead, the resort is made up of free-standing suites with private terraces and swimming pools. Closer to town is Lilianfels Blue Mountains Resort and Spa, a five-star hotel housed in a historic country mansion. Set on beautiful, manicured gardens, the property overlooks the spectacular Jamison Valley and is the perfect base from which to explore the Upper Blue Mountains. The views from the recently restored Hydro Majestic are also magic, with the historic hotel stretching one kilometre (0.62 miles) along the escarpment edge, overlooking the picturesque Megalong Valley.

Take the family to Scenic World
A trip to the Blue Mountains wouldn't be complete without calling into Scenic World at Katoomba. There you can ride the Scenic Skyway gondola across Jamison Valley, taking in views of the Three Sisters, Mount Solitary and Katoomba Falls. Scenic World is also home to the Scenic Railway, the world's steepest incline railway, descending more than 400 metres (0.25 miles) down the escarpment. This thrilling ride passes through a long tunnel and gorge, ending on the valley floor, and is a huge hit with children. Scenic World is near the Three Sisters, a dramatic rock formation that's best seen from Echo Point Lookout. It's one of the most visited sites in the region, however you can also get up close on a walking trail to the top of the Three Sisters via Honeymoon Bridge.

Explore Jenolan Caves
With 11 spectacular show caves, underground rivers and awe-inspiring formations, Jenolan Caves is among the finest and oldest cave systems in the world. You can explore the caves on a guided day tour, get goosebumps on a ghost tour or enjoy a monthly cave concert with natural acoustics and fairytale ambience. Above ground, stroll through the bush and marvel at Blue Lake – you may even spot a kangaroo. Have lunch at the award-winning Chisholm's Restaurant, in historic Caves House, where you can also stay the night.

Visit the Botanic GardenWith thousands of plants from the southern hemisphere and around the world, including the rare Wollemi Pine, the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden at Mount Tomah is a must-see for nature lovers. The cool climate garden is 1000 metres (0.62 miles) above sea level and has stunning views across the area. Wander around the estate and explore the many formal gardens. The Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Exhibition Centre is also worth checking out to understand why the region was classified a World Heritage Area.

Head into town
The Blue Mountains is a place to eat, drink and indulge. Lunch on Leura's pretty tree-lined streets, before browsing the galleries and boutiques. Sit down for coffee and cake in an Art Deco café in Katoomba, and shop for gourmet food at Blackheath. During winter in July embrace Yulefestcelebrations, with many businesses putting on traditional Christmas spreads, with log fires, singalongs and mountain hospitality. Book a table in the grand dining room at The Carrington hotel, in Katoomba, or head to the sprawling Fairmont Resort Blue Mountains, in Leura, for a sumptuous Christmas buffet. When it's not Yulefest, reserve a table at the lauded Darley's Restaurant at Lilianfels, or at the nearby fine dining Echoes Restaurant and Bar in Echoes Hotel.

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